- SRT constructed high-performance automobiles for Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and different manufacturers
- Guardian firm Stellantis is bringing it again
Tim Kuniskis abruptly has lots of jobs.
That’s just a little unusual, as he retired final Might. However retirement didn’t work for him. Kuniskis lasted barely six months out of the job market earlier than returning to his position as CEO of Ram.
Yesterday, mother or father firm Stellantis introduced that Kuniskis will lead all its North American manufacturers. The transfer provides him a voice within the course of Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, and Maserati along with his position on the truckmaker. And his first act will likely be to convey again an outdated, acquainted identify.
Tim Kuniskis, you see, likes highly effective engines. He’s going to resurrect the Road and Racing Expertise (SRT) division that after constructed high-performance variations of Dodge, Jeep, and Ram automobiles.
About SRT
- From 1989 to 2021, SRT constructed every part from Viper supercars to faster economic system vehicles
The SRT division traces its begin to the launch of the Dodge Viper. Organized in 1989, an inner mission referred to as “Workforce Viper” took on a number of names earlier than deciding on SRT.
Between 1989 and 2021, it launched high-performance variations of automobiles beneath the Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep manufacturers.
Assume special-edition Vipers. Assume V10-powered SRT-10 Ram vehicles. Assume Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. Assume Dodge Neon SRT-4. OK, possibly Dodge would moderately you not take into consideration that final one.
The division formally closed in 2021, however its identify nonetheless seems on a couple of high-powered merchandise. Dodge used the moniker on its fastest-ever gas-powered muscle automobile, the 1,025-horsepower Challenger SRT Demon 170, though the official SRT crew was mothballed on the time.
It additionally graces a number of particular editions of the present Dodge Durango.
What to Count on From SRT
- The corporate hasn’t stated a lot, however we anticipate an emphasis on gas-powered vehicles
Stellantis hasn’t stated what the brand new/outdated division will work on. However, in a Kuniskis-narrated video, the corporate says it’s hiring engineers to “cease being quiet and get loud once more.”
A press launch says solely that the brand new SRT crew will “will ship automobiles that push the boundaries of energy, aerodynamics, dealing with and expertise, on each the road and the observe, making certain lovers get the ability, precision and keenness they anticipate.”
They might be old style gasoline-powered monsters. Kuniskis was reportedly the driving drive behind the current resolution to convey again the Hemi V8 engine, which was almost retired late final 12 months.
Mockingly, the quickest automobile in Dodge historical past is electrical. The present Challenger Daytona “electrical muscle automobile” will get to 60 mph quicker than even the Demon 170. Nevertheless it has earned, at finest, a lukewarm reception from the Dodge trustworthy.
In the meantime, a invoice lately handed by the U.S. Senate would finish all enforcement of mpg requirements, theoretically liberating an automaker to construct high-powered gasoline engines with out worry of fines for his or her air pollution.
